How Long Do Wheat Straw Plates Last

Eco-conscious companies are pivoting into sustainable products because plastic is so bad for us and the environment. We’ve seen a big push from plastic to green products over the past decade. Wheat straw plates are another example of what customers are purchasing in place of 100% plastic household items.

Wheat straw plates can last just as long as normal plastic housewares, but it will depend on the makeup and production of the plates. Typically wheat straw plates contain a bit of plastic, which gives them durability and longer life, but they should last around 5+ years. A true 100% wheat straw plate, without any added non-biodegradable additive, isn’t built for multiple uses.

Are Wheat Straw Plates Safe

Yes, wheat straw plates are safe. They are non-toxic, BPA-free, and have FDA approval. They are sturdy like a normal plastic and tend to be very smooth, so they’re great for children. Normal ceramic plates and bowls will break if dropped, and then you have to prevent cutting your fingers during cleanup. Wheat straw plates won’t’ break if they’re dropped, so no worries about breakage or cuts. They’re antibacterial and have no odor.

Can You Use Them In a Microwave

Yes, wheat straw plates are microwave safe. They are also dishwasher safe. This is what makes them practical. Obviously, if they were 100% wheat straw this wouldn’t be the case. A pure wheat straw plate wouldn’t have this lifespan or practical usage. The other plus is, that when you take them out of the microwave, they’re not screaming hot to the touch. So, this is the toss-up you have to deal with. Granted we want as little plastic as possible, but a tiny bit of plastic is what makes them so useful.

Are Wheat Straw Plates Glute Free

Yes, wheat straw plates are gluten-free due to the manufacturing process. After the grain is removed from the wheat you have the “waste” or byproduct remaining. Therefore there’s no gluten remaining. And it’s a good use of waste. Getting the most out of raw materials, as long as it’s not harming the Earth is a great mindset. This is good news if you have celiac disease and are eco-minded.

Pros and Cons of Wheat Straw Plates

First let’s start with the pro’s of wheat straw plates.

1. Environmentally Friendly: Wheat straw plates are made from agricultural waste, which reduces the demand for traditional plastic or paper plates made from virgin resources. This helps in diverting agricultural byproducts from landfills.
2. Biodegradable: Wheat straw plates are biodegradable and compostable, meaning they break down naturally over time and do not contribute to long-lasting waste in the environment.
3. Renewable Resource: Wheat straw is a renewable resource as it comes from the stalks of wheat plants. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable materials used in traditional plate production.
4. Microwave and Freezer Safe: Many wheat straw plates are designed to be microwave and freezer safe, making them convenient for reheating food and storing leftovers.
5. Sturdy and Durable: Wheat straw plates can be quite sturdy and durable, making them suitable for serving a variety of foods without the risk of breaking or leaking.

And now the con’s of wheat straw plates.

1. Limited Heat Resistance: While some wheat straw plates are microwave-safe, they might not be suitable for high-temperature applications such as holding very hot foods or liquids, as they can soften or warp.
2. Moisture Sensitivity: Wheat straw plates can become soggy or weaken when exposed to excessive moisture for prolonged periods, which might affect their durability during use.
3. Less Rigid Than Plastic: Wheat straw plates might not be as rigid as plastic or other synthetic materials, which could affect their performance when serving heavier or saucier foods.
4. Allergen Concerns: Some people with wheat allergies or sensitivities might have concerns about using wheat straw plates, although the manufacturing process often removes most of the allergenic proteins.
5. Quality Variation: The quality of wheat straw plates can vary depending on the manufacturer and production methods. Some lower-quality products might break or degrade more easily than expected.

When considering using wheat straw plates, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons against your specific needs and priorities, such as sustainability, convenience, and the types of foods you typically serve.

Sustainability of Wheat Straw Dishes

On the far end of the spectrum, you have 100% plastic, and on the other end, you have 100% wheat straw that is good for a single-use. Somewhere in the middle is wheat straw dishes that last significantly longer, but they have some added plastic. In my mind, single-use dishes are better for the environment but might not be all that practical. At a certain point, you’re buying an endless supply and that will start to affect your wallet. While I hate to use plastic in any form, I’m not naive to the fact that it does serve a purpose. Everything in moderation, right!?

So, as consumers, we can all do our best to minimize our use of plastic, minimize our carbon footprint, and be as eco-conscious as possible. I support using wheat straw dishes and I think if you give them a shot, you’ll see their practicality too.

Best Wheat Straw Dishes

1) Teivio Wheat Straw Set – Here’s an entire set including utensils. They have a square design and come in a variety of colors. If you’re looking for more than plates, this could be a good option.

2) Grow Forward Set – If you’re looking to try out wheat straw dishes but don’t want to go all-in quite yet, this simple set is a great starter.

3) Euodia Wheat Straw Plastic Dinnerware – This is a set in between the top two. They offer more than just the plates and bowls but don’t provide the utensils.

Conclusion of Wheat Straw Dishes

Wheat straw dishes are not going to solve the world’s problems and reduce global warming all by themselves. But easy adjustments like using water efficient appliances and environmentally friendly lightbulbs are a simple adjustment that can save us money. We have to be realistic about our choices. I think we can all agree that we can do more to help with using sustainable products. They might not be 100% perfect but they’re a step in the right direction. If you want to switch to a more sustainable dinner set, any of the above are good options.